Key Takeaways
- Gulfood 2026 will operate simultaneously across Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
- The event records a 100% expansion, selling out more than 280,000 square metres of exhibition space.
- Over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries are confirmed, showcasing 1.5 million products.
- India will serve as the Official Country Partner with more than 600 exhibitors.
- New sectors will focus on fresh produce, logistics, and grocery trade.
Gulfood Marks Dual-Venue Milestone in Global Exhibition Industry
Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage event, will make global exhibition history in 2026 by operating simultaneously across two venues: Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. Scheduled to run from 26–30 January 2026, the event has achieved a 100% expansion in a single year, fully occupying more than 280,000 square metres across both locations.
The 2026 edition will also be the first global event to officially unveil the upgraded Dubai Exhibition Centre, part of a $2.7 billion investment. Organisers stated that the expansion reflects rising global demand for large-scale food and beverage trade platforms.
“This is a world-record moment for Gulfood, Dubai and the global food and beverage industry,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, organiser of Gulfood.
Gulfood Brings Global Supply and Demand Together
As the global food and beverage market is projected to reach $11.37 trillion by 2030, Gulfood 2026 will bring together more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries. The event will feature 1.5 million products and record a 40% share of first-time exhibitors.
Major producing countries including India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United States will have their largest-ever national participation. New participating countries include Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden, and Uganda.
India has been confirmed as the Official Country Partner, represented by APEDA, with over 600 exhibitors, including brands such as Amul and Rasna.
“We are excited to be part of Gulfood 2026 as the Partner Country,” said Abishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA.
Two Venues, Integrated Trade Focus
At Dubai Exhibition Centre, Gulfood will host World Food, Rice, Pulses & Grains, alongside three new sectors: Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics, and Gulfood Grocery Trade. Confirmed participants include DP World, Maersk, MSC, Fresh Del Monte, NRTC, and Unifrutti.
“Maersk is proud to exhibit at Gulfood 2026 for the first time,” said Mohammed Hamdan, UAE Area Head of Sales at Maersk.
Dubai World Trade Centre will continue to host Beverages, Dairy, Meat & Poultry, Seafood, and Gulfood Startups, featuring more than 250 startups and investors.
Buyer Engagement and Deal-Making at Gulfood
Gulfood 2026 will also activate The Big Deal Hub, connecting exhibitors with global buyers through structured matchmaking. Confirmed buyers include Cybera Capital, Panamex Groupe, and Presidente Supermarket.
“The Big Deal Hub gives us direct access to a broad mix of suppliers,” said Sergio Paz, CEO of Latino Trading Imports.
